Características epidemiológicas de la Osteomielitis aguda en niños internados en un hospital infeccioso de referencia

Introducción: La osteomielitis aguda es una infección del hueso que afecta principalmente a los niños y tiene generalmente diseminación hematógena, a veces asociada a un trauma. En la etiología influyen factores, como la edad, el estado inmunológico y las enfermedades concomitantes. En la mayoría de los casos, el principal agente etiológico es Staphylococcus aureus. Es importante el diagnóstico oportuno para evitar secuelas a mediano o largo plazo. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas de un grupo de pacientes con osteomielitis aguda. Métodos: Se realizó la revisión retrospectiva de los expedientes clínicos de pacientes egresados del servicio de pediatría del Instituto de Medicina Tropical, entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2020, con diagnóstico de osteomielitis aguda. Resultados: Los varones con osteomielitis corresponden al 67,8% del total de 59 casos registrados, en cuanto a los signos y síntomas, el dolor, la tumefacción y la impotencia funcional fueron predominantes, la fiebre se documentó en 49 (83,1%) pacientes, se registró antecedentes de cirugía en 37 (62,7%) de los pacientes y complicaciones en 42 (71,2%) de los pacientes, la complicación más frecuente fue osteomielitis crónica El sitio anatómico más frecuente fueron los miembros inferiores. El tratamiento empírico fue realizado con cefalosporinas de 3G en 72,9% de los pacientes, ya sea solo o combinado con clindamicina o vancomicina, un paciente con aislamiento de M. tuberculosis recibió tratamiento HRZE. Se aisló algún germen 44 pacientes (74,5%), el microorganismo predominante fue Staphylococcus aureus en 81,8 %, la mitad (52,3%) correspondieron a SAMR Se encontró una alta resistencia a oxacilina del 55,8% y un solo paciente resistente a clindamicina (2,2%). Conclusión Los hallazgos fueron similares a los reportados en la literatura en cuanto a etiología, sitio anatómico afectado y cobertura antibiótica.

Introduction: Acute osteomyelitis is a bone infection that mainly affects children and generally has hematogenous spread, sometimes associated with trauma. The etiology is influenced by factors such as age, immune status, and comorbidities. In most cases, the main etiologic agent is Staphylococcus aureus. Timely diagnosis is important to avoid sequelae in the medium or long term. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of a group of patients with acute osteomyelitis. Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical records of patients discharged from the pediatric service of the Institute of Tropical Medicine was carried out between January 2016 and December 2020, with a diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis. Results: Men with osteomyelitis correspond to 67.8% of the total of 59 registered cases, in terms of signs and symptoms, pain, swelling and functional impotence were predominant, fever was documented in 49 (83.1%) patients, a history of surgery was recorded in 37 (62.7%) of the patients and complications in 42 (71.2%) of the patients, the most frequent complication was chronic osteomyelitis The most frequent anatomical site was the lower limbs. Empirical treatment was performed with 3G cephalosporins in 72.9% of the patients, either alone or in combination with clindamycin or vancomycin. One patient with M. tuberculosis isolation received HRZE treatment. Some germ was isolated in 44 patients (74.5%), the predominant microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus in 81.8%, half (52.3%) corresponded to MRSA. A high resistance to oxacillin of 55.8% and a only patient resistant to clindamycin (2.2%). Conclusion The findings were similar to those reported in the literature in terms of etiology, affected anatomical site, and antibiotic coverage.

Efficacy comparison of antibiotic bone cement-coated implants and external fixations for treating infected bone defects.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of antibiotic bone cement-coated implants compared with external fixations for treating infected bone defects. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 119 patients with infected bone defects in our hospital from January 2010 to June 2021, of which 56 were treated with antibiotic bone cement-coated implants and 63 were with external fixation. RESULTS: The pre-operative and post-operative haematological indexes were tested to assess the infection control; the post-operative CRP level in the internal fixation group was lower than that in the external fixation group. No statistical significance was found in the rate of infection recurrence, loosening and rupture of the fixation, and amputation between the two groups. Twelve patients in the external fixation group had pin tract infection. In the evaluation of the Paley score scale, bone healing aspect revealed no significant difference between the two groups, while in the limb function aspect, antibiotic cement-coated implant group showed a much better score than the external fixation group (P = 0.002). The anxiety evaluation scale result also showed lower score in the antibiotic cement implant group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with external fixation, antibiotic bone cement-coated implant had the same effect on controlling infection and was more effective in recovering limb function and mental health in the first-stage treatment of infected bone defects after debridement.

Efficacy of implant surface culture in identification of microorganisms for fracture device-related infection: a preliminary analysis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of implant surface culture in identification of pathogens for fracture device-related infection.Methods:A prospective study was conducted to include the eligible patients who were diagnosed with infection after fracture fixation and needed surgical removal of the implants according to treatment principles at Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital from November 2020 to January 2023. With informed consent, after rinsing with aseptic normal saline twice, their implants were gently covered with a thin layer of tryptone soy agar medium. Thereafter, the implants were incubated at 37 ℃ with 5% CO 2. Changes on the surface and in the surroundings of the implants were observed every day for consecutive 2 weeks to avoid drying up by supplementing the medium when necessary. Once pathogen colonies formed, samples were collected at 3 independent sites using sterile swabs for laboratory identification. Comparisons were made between the samples from implant surface culture and the intraoperative multisite samples from conventional culture. Results:Included were a total of 75 patients [56 males and 19 females with an age of (46.2±15.4) years]. The most common infection site was the tibia (37 cases), and the most common type of implants was plate and screw (59 cases). The positive rate of implant surface culture was significantly higher than that of conventional culture (86.7% vs. 52.0%, P<0.001). 80.5% (29/36) of the negative patients detected by the conventional culture obtained positive results by the implant surface culture; three of the positive patients detected by the conventional culture obtained negative results by the implant surface culture. The culture results were positive by both culture methods in 36 patients, and consistent by both culture methods in 35 patients, yielding a consistent rate of 97.2% (35/36). The time for implant surface culture was significantly shorter than that for conventional culture [1 (1, 2) d versus 3 (3, 4) d] ( P<0.001). Of the 65 positive patients by the implant surface culture, 59 were detected with monomicrobial infection, with Staphylococcus aureus on the top (29 cases). Conclusion:As the implant surface culture, a novel method, may be superior to the conventional culture in a significantly higher positive rate and a shorter culture time, it may be used as an effective adjunct to the conventional culture in identification of pathogens for fracture device-related infection.

Antibacterial and osteogenic properties of biomimetic mineralized iodine-loaded coating with micro-nano topography on bone implants / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the antibacterial and osteogenic properties of biomimetic mineralized iodine-loaded coating with micro-nano topography on the surface of bone implants.Methods:After the fiber network structure of sodium hydrogen titanate was constructed by alkali thermal reaction on the surface of Ti6Al4V (noted as AT), it was biomimetically mineralized in the modified simulated body fluid to form a micro-nano topology with high specific surface area (noted as AT-CaP), and finally loaded with PVPI to construct a novel antibacterial osseointegration coating (noted as AT-CaP-PVPI). The study was conducted in AT, AT-CaP, and AT-CaP-PVPI groups, in each of which 3 parallel experiments were performed. The morphology and colony counting of Staphylococcus aureus on the coating surface were observed to detect the in vitro antibacterial performance of the coating. Fifteen male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=5): AT, AT-CaP, and AT-CaP-PVPI. After intramedullary injection of Staphylococcus aureus into the lower end of the femur in the SD rats, titanium rods coated with AT, AT-CaP, and AT-CaP-PVPI were inserted into the marrow cavity. The osteogenesis, volume ratio of new bone mass and number of trabeculae on the surface of the femoral implants were compared between the 3 groups 4 weeks after operation. Results:In AT and AT-CaP groups, a large number of bacteria grew in their inherent elliptical or spherical shape on the implant surface and a large number of colonies were seen on the plate; in AT-CaP-PVPI group, the bacteria on the coating surface exhibited membrane deformation and depression, some of them were completely broken and dissolved, and a large number died. There was almost no new bone formation around the implants in AT group; new bone scattered around the implants with discontinuous distribution in AT-CaP group; a great amount of new bone was seen around the implants with even distribution but no signs of infection in AT-CaP-PVPI group. The volume ratio of new bone mass and the number of trabeculae on the implant surface in AT-CaP-PVPI group were 0.453±0.206 and 6.055±0.536, respectively, significantly higher than those in AT group (0.046±0.028 and 1.667±1.249) and AT-CaP group (0.188±0.052 and 3.804±0.889) ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Biomimetic mineralized iodine-loaded coating with micro-nano topography on the surface of bone implants shows good antibacterial and osteogenic properties.

A wound diagnosis and treatment mode with integrated medical care for repair of chronic infectious wounds plus bone exposure at lower extremities / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate a wound diagnosis and treatment mode with integrated medical care in the repair of chronic infectious wounds plus bone exposure at lower extremities.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 64 patients with chronic infectious wound plus bone exposure at the lower 1/3 of the leg who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2019 to December 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the wound diagnosis and treatment mode. In the observation group of 31 patients subjected to the wound diagnosis and treatment mode with integrated medical care led by specialist nurses, there were 24 males and 7 females with an age of (53.6±12.4) years, the wound was located at the tibial side in 15 cases and at the fibular side in 16 cases, the wound areas averaged [28.27 (23.56, 37.70) cm 2], and the time from injury to treatment was (27.3±4.1) d. Evaluation of the patient's condition, wound diagnosis and formulation of treatment protocols were performed jointly by a doctor-nurse team after the patients were admitted, and continuous diagnosis and treatment of the wounds were carried out mainly by specialist nurses during the doctors' follow-up. In the control group of 33 patients subjected to the conventional wound diagnosis and treatment mode led by doctors, there were 25 males and 8 females with an age of (51.3±14.3) years, the wound was located at the tibial side in 17 cases and at the fibular side in 16 cases, the wound areas averaged [27.49 (17.84, 40.45) cm 2], and the time from injury to treatment was (27.6±4.0) d. The 2 groups were compared in the wound healing rate, wound recurrence rate, hospitalization time and patients' satisfaction. Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). The observation group achieved a significantly higher wound healing rate within 1 month after treatment [83.87% (26/31)] than the control group [60.61% (20/33)], a significantly lower wound recurrence rate within 6 months after treatment [0% (0/31)] than the control group [18.18% (6/33)], significantly shorter hospitalization time [18.0 (15.1, 20.9) d] than the control group [26.8 (18.4, 40.1) d], and significantly higher patients' satisfaction [50 (50, 50) points] than the control group [50 (42, 50) points] (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In the repair of chronic infectious wounds plus bone exposure at lower extremities, the wound diagnosis and treatment mode with integrated medical care led by specialist nurses may result in a higher wound healing rate, a lower wound recurrence rate, a shorter hospital stay and higher patients' satisfaction than the conventional wound diagnosis and treatment mode led by doctors.

Dalbavancin in clinical practice: a particular place for the elderly?

We investigate dalbavancin efficiency and tolerance among elderly in Grenoble-Alpes 32 university hospital. Among the 65 patients who received dalbavancin, 51% (33) were considered as old. Patients presented mainly bones and joint infections (52%), surgical site infection 34 (31%), and infective endocarditis (IE) (8%). Clinical cure was confirmed for 79% of old 35 patients at 1, 3, and 6 months. Six adverse events (9%) were reported after 36 dalbavancin's administration, but each time in combination with other antibiotics. 37 Dalbavancin had a significant effectiveness and safety profile and represents a real 38 therapeutic option in the management of deep and complex infections of elderly patients.

Application and development of metagenomics next-generation sequencing technology in diagnosis of bone infection / 国际外科学杂志

Bone infection is a serious infectious disease in clinical practice due to its difficult treatment and poor prognosis. Therefore, early accurate diagnosis of bone infection is the key for successful treatment. The traditional detection methods is time consuming with lower positive rate. Therefore, it is urgent to find better detection techniques to identify the pathogenic microorganisms of bone infection. In recent years, metagenomic second-generation sequencing technology has been widely used in the diagnosis of clinical infectious diseases because of its advantages of accurate, rapid, efficient and comprehensive diagnosis of pathogenic microorganisms, and can be used as an effective tool for the diagnosis of bone infections. This paper mainly reviews the advantages, disadvantages and development direction of metagenomics next-generation sequencing technology in the diagnosis of bone infection.

An anterolateral thigh perforator chimeric flap combined with calcium sulfate impregnated with vancomycin for treatment of chronic fracture-related infection complicated with extensive soft-tissue defects / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of an anterolateral femoral chimeric perforator flap combined with vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate in the treatment of chronic infection after internal fixation of calf fracture with soft tissue defects.Methods:Retrospectively analyzed were the data of 16 patients with chronic infection combined with extensive soft tissue defects after internal fixation of calf fracture who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Hospital Affiliated to Peking University from September 2008 to November 2020. There were 11 males and 5 females, aged from 16 to 62 years (average, 37 years). Infection sites: the upper tibia in 4 cases, the middle and lower tibia in 10 cases, and the middle fibula in 2 cases. According to the Cierny-Mader classification, all patients were anatomical type III and by the host classification, there were 14 cases of type B and 2 cases of type C type. The areas of soft tissue defects ranged from 6 cm × 4 cm to 23 cm × 14 cm. All patients were treated by transplantation of an anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap combined with vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate therapy. At the last follow-up, the curative efficacy was evaluated according to the Paley fracture union scoring.Results:All patients were followed up for 8 to 24 months (mean, 16 months). Complete flap survival was achieved in 15 flaps and partial survival in one. According to the Paley fracture union scoring at the last follow-up, the curative efficacy was evaluated as excellent in 15 cases and as good in one. Both the grafted artificial bone and the tibia and fibula achieved bone union after 6 to 12 months (mean, 8.9 months). Infection with chronic sinus tract pus recurred in one case at post-operative one year. After re-debridement, the infection was controlled and the wound healed. The plate internal fixation was replaced by the unilateral or annular external fixator in 14 patients and retained in 2 patients. The lengths of the bone defects averaged 2.4 cm and the time for the external fixation 10.5 months (from 8 to 14 months).Conclusion:In the treatment of chronic infection after internal fixation of calf fracture with extensive soft tissue defects, the efficacy of an anterolateral femoral chimeric perforator flap combined with vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate is satisfactory, because the flap can fully cover the bone and soft tissue defects while the vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate can effectively control the infection.

A RETROSPECTIVE CASE-SERIES ON THE USE OF S53P4 BIOACTIVE GLASS FOR THE ADJUNCTIVE TREATMENT OF SEPTIC DIAPHYSEAL NON-UNION.

OBJECTIVE: Non-union and persistence of infection at a fracture site for long periods are always described as a challenge to orthopedists, especially in cases of severe compound fractures with comminution and segmental bone loss. This is a case series of septic non-unions, using S53P4 bioactive glass for adjunctive treatment, using internal syntheses or external fixators. The objective is to retrospectively evaluate the results of the use of S53P4 bioglass for the adjunctive treatment of septic non-unions. METHODS: We reviewed 18 patients with septic non-unions. The patients were preoperatively classified using the Non-union Scoring System (NUSS) and union outcomes were assessed by the modified radiographic union scale in tibial (RUST) fractures. Of the 18 patients treated, six underwent internal osteosynthesis and 12 were treated with external fixators in combination with bioactive glass grafting. RESULTS: The patients had a mean NUSS score of 56.6 (standard deviation of 7.6) and fracture union was achieved according to the RUST score in 17 of 18 cases (94.4%), with a mean value of 10.2 (standard deviation of 1.0). One patient was lost to follow-up. Reevaluation using the modified RUST score was 12.3 (SD = 1.0), maintaining union of 17/18. CONCLUSION: The fracture union rate was high, according to the literature, as was control of infection. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

OBJETIVO: A não união e a persistência de infecção no local de uma fratura por períodos prolongados são sempre descritas como desafios para os ortopedistas, especialmente em casos de fraturas expostas graves, com cominuição e perdas de segmentos ósseos. Esta é uma série de casos de não consolidações infectadas, utilizando o vidro bioativo S53P4 como adjuvante no tratamento, utilizando-se sínteses internas ou fixadores externos. O objetivo é avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados do uso do biovidro S53P4 como adjuvante no tratamento de não uniões infectadas. MÉTODOS: Foram revistos 18 pacientes com não consolidações infectadas. Os pacientes foram classificados antes da cirurgia pelo Non-Union Severity Score (NUSS), e os resultados quanto à consolidação foram avaliados pelo escore de RUST modificado (escala radiográfica de consolidação da tíbia). Dos 18 pacientes tratados, seis foram submetidos à osteossíntese interna e 12 foram tratados com fixadores externos, associados à enxertia com vidro bioativo. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes tinham resultado NUSS médio de 56,6 (desvio padrão de 7,6) e a consolidação foi obtida segundo o escore de RUST em 17 de 18 casos (94,4%), com valor médio de 10,2 (desvio padrão de 1.0). Um paciente abandonou o seguimento. A reavaliação pelo escore de RUST modificado foi de 12,3 (PF=1,0), mantendo a consolidação de 17/18. CONCLUSÃO: O índice de consolidação foi elevado, segundo a literatura, bem como controle infeccioso. Nível de evidência IV, série de casos.

A retrospective case-series on the use of s53p4 bioactive glass for the adjunctive treatment of septic diaphyseal non-union / Série de casos retrospectivo sobre o uso do vidro bioativo s53p4 como adjuvante no tratamento de pseudoartroses infectadas da diáfise dos ossos longos

ABSTRACT Objective: Non-union and persistence of infection at a fracture site for long periods are always described as a challenge to orthopedists, especially in cases of severe compound fractures with comminution and segmental bone loss. This is a case series of septic non-unions, using S53P4 bioactive glass for adjunctive treatment, using internal syntheses or external fixators. The objective is to retrospectively evaluate the results of the use of S53P4 bioglass for the adjunctive treatment of septic non-unions. Methods: We reviewed 18 patients with septic non-unions. The patients were preoperatively classified using the Non-union Scoring System (NUSS) and union outcomes were assessed by the modified radiographic union scale in tibial (RUST) fractures. Of the 18 patients treated, six underwent internal osteosynthesis and 12 were treated with external fixators in combination with bioactive glass grafting. Results: The patients had a mean NUSS score of 56.6 (standard deviation of 7.6) and fracture union was achieved according to the RUST score in 17 of 18 cases (94.4%), with a mean value of 10.2 (standard deviation of 1.0). One patient was lost to follow-up. Reevaluation using the modified RUST score was 12.3 (SD = 1.0), maintaining union of 17/18. Conclusion: The fracture union rate was high, according to the literature, as was control of infection. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

RESUMO Objetivo: A não união e a persistência de infecção no local de uma fratura por períodos prolongados são sempre descritas como desafios para os ortopedistas, especialmente em casos de fraturas expostas graves, com cominuição e perdas de segmentos ósseos. Esta é uma série de casos de não consolidações infectadas, utilizando o vidro bioativo S53P4 como adjuvante no tratamento, utilizando-se sínteses internas ou fixadores externos. O objetivo é avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados do uso do biovidro S53P4 como adjuvante no tratamento de não uniões infectadas. Métodos: Foram revistos 18 pacientes com não consolidações infectadas. Os pacientes foram classificados antes da cirurgia pelo Non-Union Severity Score (NUSS), e os resultados quanto à consolidação foram avaliados pelo escore de RUST modificado (escala radiográfica de consolidação da tíbia). Dos 18 pacientes tratados, seis foram submetidos à osteossíntese interna e 12 foram tratados com fixadores externos, associados à enxertia com vidro bioativo. Resultados: Os pacientes tinham resultado NUSS médio de 56,6 (desvio padrão de 7,6) e a consolidação foi obtida segundo o escore de RUST em 17 de 18 casos (94,4%), com valor médio de 10,2 (desvio padrão de 1.0). Um paciente abandonou o seguimento. A reavaliação pelo escore de RUST modificado foi de 12,3 (PF=1,0), mantendo a consolidação de 17/18. Conclusão: O índice de consolidação foi elevado, segundo a literatura, bem como controle infeccioso. Nível de evidência IV, série de casos.

Comparative Analysis of Spontaneous Infectious Spondylitis : Pyogenic versus Tuberculous

OBJECTIVE: Spondylitis is often chemotherapy resistant and requires long-term treatment. Without adequate chemotherapy, the outcome can be fatal or result in severe neurologic damage. Therefore, differentiating the etiology of spondylitis is very important, particularly in spontaneous cases. As the prevalence of tuberculosis in Korea has decreased in recent years, updated clinical research about spondylitis is warranted.METHODS: From April 2010 to March 2016, data from spondylitis patients were collected retrospectively. In total, 69 patients (51 with pyogenic spondylitis and 18 with tuberculous spondylitis) were included. Clinical data, laboratory findings including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, measurements of Cobb angles at the initial and final follow-up, and radiologic features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were evaluated. To test differences between the pyogenic and tuberculous groups, numerical data were compared using the student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, and categorical data were compared using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test.RESULTS: The patients’ mean age was 60.0 years. Male sex was slightly predominant (56.5%). There was no difference in mean age and sex between the two groups. The pyogenic group had a relatively higher proportion of immunocompromised patients. The peak CRP value was higher in the pyogenic group than in the tuberculous group (14.08 mg/dL and 8.50 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.009), whereas the ESR was not significantly different between the groups (81.5 mm/h and 75.6 mm/h, respectively, p=0.442). Radiologically, the presence of disc space sparing and vertebral body collapse differed between the groups. In the tuberculous group, the disc was more commonly preserved on contrast-enhanced MRI (50% and 23.5%, respectively, p=0.044), and vertebral body collapse was more common (66.6% and 15.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). The mean length of hospitalization was longer in the pyogenic group (56.5 days and 41.2 days, respectively, p=0.001). Four mortality cases were observed only in the pyogenic group. The most commonly isolated microorganism in the pyogenic group was Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (methicillin susceptible S. aureus and methicillin resistant S. aureus [MRSA] in 8 and 4 cases, respectively).CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiological manifestations of spontaneous spondylitis differ based on the causative organism. Pyogenic spondylitis patients tend to have a higher CRP level and a more severe clinical course, whereas tuberculous spondylitis patients present with destruction of the vertebral body with disc sparing more frequently. The presence of MRSA is increasing in community-acquired spondylitis cases.

Comparative Analysis of Spontaneous Infectious Spondylitis : Pyogenic versus Tuberculous

OBJECTIVE: Spondylitis is often chemotherapy resistant and requires long-term treatment. Without adequate chemotherapy, the outcome can be fatal or result in severe neurologic damage. Therefore, differentiating the etiology of spondylitis is very important, particularly in spontaneous cases. As the prevalence of tuberculosis in Korea has decreased in recent years, updated clinical research about spondylitis is warranted. METHODS: From April 2010 to March 2016, data from spondylitis patients were collected retrospectively. In total, 69 patients (51 with pyogenic spondylitis and 18 with tuberculous spondylitis) were included. Clinical data, laboratory findings including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, measurements of Cobb angles at the initial and final follow-up, and radiologic features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were evaluated. To test differences between the pyogenic and tuberculous groups, numerical data were compared using the student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, and categorical data were compared using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. RESULTS: The patients’ mean age was 60.0 years. Male sex was slightly predominant (56.5%). There was no difference in mean age and sex between the two groups. The pyogenic group had a relatively higher proportion of immunocompromised patients. The peak CRP value was higher in the pyogenic group than in the tuberculous group (14.08 mg/dL and 8.50 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.009), whereas the ESR was not significantly different between the groups (81.5 mm/h and 75.6 mm/h, respectively, p=0.442). Radiologically, the presence of disc space sparing and vertebral body collapse differed between the groups. In the tuberculous group, the disc was more commonly preserved on contrast-enhanced MRI (50% and 23.5%, respectively, p=0.044), and vertebral body collapse was more common (66.6% and 15.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). The mean length of hospitalization was longer in the pyogenic group (56.5 days and 41.2 days, respectively, p=0.001). Four mortality cases were observed only in the pyogenic group. The most commonly isolated microorganism in the pyogenic group was Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (methicillin susceptible S. aureus and methicillin resistant S. aureus [MRSA] in 8 and 4 cases, respectively). CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiological manifestations of spontaneous spondylitis differ based on the causative organism. Pyogenic spondylitis patients tend to have a higher CRP level and a more severe clinical course, whereas tuberculous spondylitis patients present with destruction of the vertebral body with disc sparing more frequently. The presence of MRSA is increasing in community-acquired spondylitis cases.

Efficacy evaluation of early debridement implant removal for infection after internal fixation of tibial fracture / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To compare the efficacy of early and delayed removal of debridement implant for infection after internal fixation of tibial fracture.Methods A retrospective case control study was conducted on the clinical data of 27 patients with tibial fractures who received plate or screw internal fixation admitted to the East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University from March 2005 to September 2016.There were 21 males and six females,aged 18-81 years [(41.6 ± 14.3)years].According to the treatment methods,the patients were divided into the delayed implant removal group (Group A,10 patients) and the early implant removal group (Group B,17 patients).Group A was given debridement and anti infection treatment followed by continuous dressing change,and the implant was removed after the fractures were healed.Group B was given debridement and implant removal after one month of anti infection treatment and continuous dressing change when the infection was not clearly controlled.Patients with stable fracture ends were given only negative pressure closed drainage (VSD),and those with instable fracture ends were given external fixation and VSD.The time from infection to implant removal,the time of infection control,the fracture nonunion rate,the chronic bone infection rate,the knee joint function score of the American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS),and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot scale were compared between the two groups.Results All patients were followed up for 13-47 months,with the average of 28.4 months.There were significant differences between Group A and Group B in terms of the time from infection to implant removal [(49.9 17.1) weeks ∶ (19.3 ± 9.2) weeks],the time of infection control [(85.3 ±78.3)days∶ (6.3 ±2.8)days],fracture nonunion rate (30％ ∶ 0),and the chronic osteomyelitis incidence (30％ ∶ 0) (all P ＜0.05).No significant differences were found in HSS knee joint function score and AOFAS ankle hindfoot scale between the two groups (both P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion For patients with postoperative infection after internal fixation for tibial fracture,early thorough debridement and implant removal can quickly control the infection and reduce the incidence of nonunion and osteomyelitis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differentatial Diagnosis of Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis and Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis.

BACKGROUND: Infectious spondylodiscitis is characterized by the involvement of two adjacent vertebrae and the intervening disc. Incidence rate of the disease is estimated at 0.4-2 cases per 100000 per year. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common infectious agent causing pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Non-pyogenic infections of the spine are most frequently caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and fungi. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent unfavorable irreversible sequela for the patient. Significant developments in techniques of imaging of pathological tissues raised expectations among the clinicians regarding possibility to distinguish between tuberculous spondylodiscitis and pyogenic spondylodiscitis on MR images. The aim of this study was to identify and differentiate between features of tuberculous and pyogenic spondylodiscitis on MR images. MATERIAL/METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis of MR images obtained from 34 patients with confirmed spondylodiscitis (18 with pyogenic spondylodiscitis, and 16 with tuberculous spondylodiscitis). Data acquisition was performed using 1.5 T MRI scanners where images were obtained using similar protocols. T2 TIRM and T1-weighted images with and without contrast enhancement were subject to assessment in coronal, axial and sagittal planes. RESULTS: Characteristic features of pyogenic spondylodiscitis include: involvement of the lumbar spine, ill-defined paraspinal abnormal contrast enhancement, diffuse/homogeneous contrast enhancement of vertebral bodies, low-grade destruction of vertebral bodies, hyperintense/homogeneous signal from the vertebral bodies on T2 TIRM images. Prevailing features of tuberculous spondylodiscitis included: involvement of the thoracic spine, involvement of 2 or more adjacent vertebral bodies, severe destruction of the vertebral body, focal/heterogeneous contrast enhancement of vertebral bodies, heterogeneous signal from the vertebral bodies on T2 TIRM images, well-defined paraspinal abnormal contrast enhancement, paraspinal and epidural abscesses, meningeal enhancement at the affected spine level. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of MR images of patients diagnosed with pyogenic spondylodiscitis and tuberculous spondylodiscitis allowed identification of individual characteristics for preliminary differentiation between TB and infectious spondylodiscitis and thereby enabling proper treatment.

Osteomielite aguda do escafóide: relato de caso / Osteomyelitis of the scaphoid: a case report

Relata-se um raro caso de osteomielite aguda do escafóide em punho esquerdo, por Staphylococcus aureus, em homem de 53 anos de idade, paraplégico, sem causa inicial aparente. O tratamento realizado foi baseado em antibioticoterapia venosa específica e drenagem cirúrgica, com bom resultado funcional após seis meses.

The authors report a rare case of acute osteomyelitis of the scaphoid bone in the left wrist, due to Staphylococcus aureus, in a 53 year-old paraplegic man without an apparent initial cause. The treatment used was based in specific venous therapy with antibiotics and surgical draining, with good functional result after six months.

MRI features of the intervertebral suppurative spondylitis / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To explore MRI findings of intervertebral suppurative spondylitis. Methods MRI findings of intervertebral suppurative spondylitis in 12 cases proved by surgery and 6 cases defined by clinical features were retrospectively analyzed. The MRI protocol included un-enhanced conventional scan in 18 cases and contrast-enhanced scan in 11 cases. Results Of the 18 cases, single focus was found in 16 cases, and multiple loci were seen in 2 cases. MRI findings included (1) Disappearance sign of nuclear crevice in 17 cases, accumulated fluid sign of intervertebral disc in 15 cases, intervertebral disc perforation in 4 cases, and intervertebral space narrowing in 7 cases. (2) Bone destruction under end plate and marrow oedema were shown in 18 cases, 17 cases had end plate destruction, 16 cases had covered sign of end plate.(3) Paraspinal soft tissue swelling was shown in 18 cases, in which thick wall microabscess was formed in 4 cases. (4) Vertebral canal was involved in 12 cases, vertebral canal abscess was formed in 5 cases.(5) Lump enhancement was demonstrated in 4 cases, nodular enhancement in 2, and ring-like enhancement in 2, respectively. No enhancement was seen in 3 cases. Dural sac linear enhancement was shown in 6 cases, and patchy enhancement in the anterior dural sac was shown in 10 cases. Conclusion Intervertebral suppurative spondytitis had characteristic MRI findings, and the key to correct diagnosis was to combine MRI finding with clinical characteristics.

Clinical analysis of pathogenic bacteria and drug resistance in bone and joint pyogenic infection / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the pathogenic bacteria and drug resistance variation of bone and joint pyogenic infection, and to provide reference for clinical antibiotic therapy. Methods A total of 172 cases with bone and joint pyogenic infection from Jan 2005 to Oct 2007 in the Department of Or- thopedics were retrospectively analyzed with the results of bacterial cultures and antibiocties sensitivity tests of blood, purulence or hydrothorax samples. Results The detection rate of Staphylococcus epi- dermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherhia coil, Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterococcus faecalis accounted for 24.4%, 19.3%, 18. 5 %, 8. 1% and 7.4% respecterly. Conclusion Staphylococci are the major pathogenic bacteria leading to bone and joint pyogenic infection, followed by Escherhia coil, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi. It is suggested that sensitive antibiotics be selected according to drug susceptibility test results. To staphylococcal infection cases, combined application,of antibiotics may improve the therapeutic effect, prevent occurrence of drug resistance, and reduce drug adverse re- action. Early and standard antibiotic therapy and timely local drainage of infection focus contribute to reduce antibiotic resistance and incidence of chronic diseases.